A COMMEMORATIVE pennant has been awarded to the Crewe branch of the Royal Engineers Association in recognition of 50 years of membership of the regiment.

Veteran Jim Davies, 89, received the pennant this week and is hoping it will take pride of place among other military memorabilia at Crewe's Municipal Building.

Mr Davies, of Mavor Court, Crewe, said it was a landmark in the branch's history, which will be commemorated at a fundraiser on Saturday night.

He added: 'This is a new thing, and is not awarded to anyone else. It's such a beautiful thing and we get to keep it now forever.'

As a former Royal Engineer himself, Mr Davies is no stranger to the realities of life in the famous regiment, having served during the Second World War in Italy, Greece, India, Iraq and Iran.

He said: 'I was out in the desert in the early days of the war after I joined up in 1939, and it was harsh. But I served alongside some smashing lads and I'm honoured that the contribution from Crewe has been recognised.'

But he said he was to some extent bemused as to why the gold and black pennant, complete with a sash in the regiments colours of blue and red, had been given over now, when the Crewe branch of the Royal Engineers was founded in 1939, making 2007 its 68th year.

'Maybe it took them a few years to decide who to give it to, but it's ours now,' he added.

Members of the public will be able to view the pennant at the Crosville Club, Chester Street, Crewe, on Saturday, during the club's latest fundraising event.

To book tickets, priced £2, for the fundraiser on Saturday at 7.30pm, call the Crosville club on 01270 255076.